The Nyayo Stadium in Kenya was the setting for an intense and dramatic Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match between AFC Leopards and Tusker on a Wednesday night.
Tusker, the reigning league champions, claimed a late goal to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, leaving AFC Leopards and their head coach, Patrick Aussems, disappointed.
After the match, Aussems took to social media to express his frustration with his team’s performance.
In a tweet, he lamented the lack of aggression from his players and congratulated Tusker on their win.
However, Aussems also took a swipe at Tusker’s head coach, Robert Matano, stating that Matano was “more of a djudju [Juju] man than a tactician” and referred to him as an “old coach with no international experience.”
The use of the term “Juju,” which is a belief system involving the use of magical powers often associated with West African countries, sparked controversy and drew attention from football enthusiasts.
In an interview with Mozzart Sports, Matano fired back at Aussems, dismissing him as a failed coach who has not won anything with Leopards in the years he has been in charge.
“If he is good enough, he would be coaching in Europe not Africa but the fact is, he is not good enough and that is why he is here.
“Furthermore, he has won nothing with Leopards over the last three years while I can count my achievements with Tusker. He has a good salary, been given a free hand yet he has nothing to show for it.” said Matano as quoted by Mozzart Sports.
He accused Aussems of employing diversionary tactics aimed at masking the loss his side suffered at the hands of Tusker.
The war of words between Aussems and Matano escalated, with Aussems accusing Matano of infusing black magic in his tactics, a claim that did not sit well with the experienced tactician and football enthusiasts alike.
Matano laughed off the suggestion of lacking international experience, stating that he has played and handled teams in various parts of Africa, including the Champions League and Confederations Cup.
“I have an African experience having played in most parts of Africa at club and with the national team Harambee Stars. I have handled teams playing in the Champions League and Confederations Cup so I don’t understand what kind of international experience he is talking about,” he added.
The tension between Aussems and Matano didn’t stop at social media. Reports suggest that the two coaches were involved in a heated exchange after the match and had to be separated by officials from both clubs.
